Reason

Thursday

Jun 28, 2007 at 12:01 AM

By Elycia Pittsley

By Elycia Pittsley

Fall River Spirit Correspondent

Rain and wind delayed the Opening Ceremony and Cancer Survivors' Lap at the American Cancer Society's ninth Annual Relay for Life of Greater Fall River at Somerset High School on June 22. After remaining dry for an hour indoors, eating cake and finishing chicken at the Survivor Dinner, the participants ventured out into the clearing weather. As the event began, a rainbow broke out of the overcast sky.

"Over the rainbow, where dreams come true," happened to be picked as this year's theme for the event.

The tents stayed dry and the luminaria bags felt a little wet. By 9 p.m., the bags were dry enough to be lit as the bagpipes played. Every year, the bags are purchased in honor of a person who beat cancer or in memory of loved ones who lost their battle with the disease.

Officials said a total of 61 teams and approximately 1,200 participants consisting of co-workers, clubs, families, and friends walked and slept overnight.

According to the American Cancer Society, "[Relay for Life] raises cancer awareness and funds for research, education, advocacy, and local patients service programs while serving as a way to remember loved ones, inspire others, and celebrate life".

Dawn Costa, an upbeat woman with short curly hair, sat at a table eating cake with her family and friends at the survivor dinner around 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Dawn is a cancer survivor, a first-time volunteer, co-chairwoman on the committee, and a member of the team called "That's What Friends are For."

"Every day is a blessing," she said.

One day, she walked into the doctor's office for a sinus infection and was later diagnosed with acute promyeloctic leukemia (APML or APL) on July 16, 2006.

"Is this what I'll die from?" she asked.

"No. You're young and healthy," the doctor answered.

She never questioned again. Her only worry was, who would raise her daughter.

"I won't let this get the best of me. I want to raise my little girl, McKayla," she told herself.

Next, she found herself spending 39 days in Brigham and Women's Hospital undergoing multiple blood transfusions.

In October, she was re-hospitalized for an infection during her outpatient chemotherapy treatments. After 12 days, she was released for Halloween.

Smiling, she said, "I was so happy to be able to see my daughter go trick or treating."

During treatment, she lost her hair and didn't want anyone to know. She felt like she'd lost her identity in a sense, but then she discovered that "bald is beautiful."

"Something positive must come from this. God did this for a reason," she thought to herself while in the hospital. Then she promised herself, if she beat the disease, she'd give back.

When she achieved full remission on Dec. 18, she knew she'd follow through with her promise: She sent 100 letters to family, friends, and acquaintances sharing her story in hopes to get sponsors to support her in the Relay for Life and attend her own fund-raiser.

She held a dance where her father, Charlie Quintal, played with his bandmates in Talk of the Town. The dance raised $8,086 and sold 400 tickets.

"We had to turn people away!" she exclaimed.

Officials said, "That's What are Friends For" received the platinum award for raising $15,000-$20,000.

As a whole, participants raised $174,000 before the event began. Last year, the event raised $233,000.

Co-chair Michelle Boardman said, "Our goal this year is to raise $255,360."

According to Relay organizers, more than 1,000 participants/walkers got pledges with additional support staff.

The money raised will aid in efforts such as test screening for everyone, rehabilitation programs, free transportation for treatments, free sessions with a cosmetologist for breast cancer survivors, and beauty professionals to cope with hair loss.

Costa's hairdresser helped her become part of Relay for Life. At a visit to Hair Connection, Costa expressed her interest in joining. Her hairdresser connected her with Maria Torrez, co-chair of the committee and treasurer as well as a Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School teacher. Costa recruited some of her family to join the team, also. The team also includes some of Torrez's students from Diman.

"Maria's heart and soul is in this," said Costa.

Costa still has to take three prescriptions alternating between 83 pills one week and 27 pills the next for seven more months.

Her friends and family say she's remained really positive and has not felt pity for herself.

Her niece, Mackenzie Quintal, surprised her with a bouquet of yellow roses and $150. Her eighth-grade class at St. Anne's donated her the money to help pay for her medical bills and prescriptions.

To volunteer, or for more information, visit www.cancer.org, call 1-800-ACS-2345.